Sunshade with integrated solar thermal collector

ABSTRACT

Embodiments disclosed provide a sunshade apparatus that integrates a solar collector into an attractive architectural sunshade, and a system for deriving energy, and in particular heat, from such an apparatus. The sunshade is comprised of between one and several solar collector panels. Each panel has an infrared clear pass face and contains tubing. The panel may also contain a layer of insulation underneath the tubing. The tubing contains a fluid and is connected to a solar water system. The clear face extends for most but not all of the upper surface of the panel, such that the ends are solid to provide structural support for the panel. The panels are designed in advance for use in connection with an architectural feature, such as a window on a building, with angles for each of the panels and in some cases the shade as well. Aesthetic architectural options including interior beam colors and clear face coatings are contemplated.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of shades.

Shades are intended to provide protection from the sun. In addition toproviding shade, shade structures enhance the visual appeal ofbuildings, platforms, patios, and other outdoor areas. Shade structuresare available in a wide variety of designs, including, for example:awnings, brise soleil, canopies, fences, guardrails and decorativescreens. Shade structures may be attached to a structure, or may befree-standing. Existing shade structures are manufactured from materialssuch as wood, metal, plastic, and fabric.

SUMMARY

The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein have innovativeaspects, no single one of which is indispensable or solely responsiblefor their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of theclaims, some of the advantageous features will now be summarized.

The present disclosure relates to a sunshade with an integrated solarthermal collector. In some embodiments, a sunshade is comprised of atleast one panel that doubles as a solar thermal collector. The panelsmay be fixed in place, or may be rotatable. The panels may all bearranged in the same orientation to form an attractive sunshade. Thepanels may be tilted in order to maximize sun exposure on the top faceof the panels. The optimal tilt of the panels is determined by thelocation's latitude, the orientation of the shade structure (for examplesouth-west facing), and by the location of the shade relative tosurrounding structures that determine the sun exposure on the shadethroughout the day.

Each panel of the shade is a solar thermal collector. In someembodiments, a panel is comprised of an elongated U-shaped (in crosssection) beam (also referred to as a “C” beam) on which a clear face ismounted on top of the U-shape to enclose a cavity. Further, insulationmay be mounted inside the cavity to rest in the bottom of the U-shapedbeam. Further, a tube may be disposed behind the clear face and on topof the insulation. Further, a fin may be disposed in the cavity betweenthe clear face and the tube. Preferably, the fin is situated in contactwith the tube for a length substantially equal to the length of thecavity that is contacted by sunlight.

Each panel may advantageously be capped at its ends with sleeves. Thesleeve at each end may be attached to an outrigger beam. Two outriggersmay hold a series of panels in place in the same orientation to form anattractive sunshade. Sleeves are advantageous because they increase thestrength of the panel and also the strength of the overall sunshadestructure. The sleeves are also advantageous because they secure theclear face, which extends under the sleeve, to prevent it from fallingoff the panel. This is especially important where the sunshade acts toshade a window that is several stories high. Generally, longer panelsrequire longer sleeves to ensure the sunshade's integrity.

The clear face of a panel allows sunlight to pass into the interior ofthe panel. After the sunlight passes into the panel, it strikes theabsorbing material, for example, metal or insulation, comprising thepanel's interior. The material of the clear face (which may be temperedglass, for example) must be “clear” to the infrared rays of the Sun andallow these rays to freely pass through. Because the sunshade is visiblefrom the outside of the architectural structure (such as a multi-storybuilding, for example), coatings can be used as an architecturalfeature, adding a mirror look or even color where appropriate. Thematerial within each panel absorbing the sunlight converts the sunlightinto heat. The clear face and the U-shaped beam prevent the heat fromescaping.

The present disclosure also includes a solar thermal collector systemthat derives energy from the sunshade. The sunshade may comprise atleast one solar thermal collector panel. Further, tubing disposed in thepanels is connected such that the sunshade has one inlet and one outlettube.

In some embodiments, the tubing is tied into a water supply. In theseembodiments, the water supply passes through the solar thermal collectorpanels before being fed back into a hot water supply or a water heater.In other embodiments, a solar thermal collector system enables energyabsorbed by fluid in the solar thermal collector panels to betransferred to and heat a hot water supply for a building, household, orpool by means of a heat exchanger, In these embodiments, the tubing isclosed circuit. The sunshade is connected to a heat exchanger and a pumpwith tubing. The heat exchanger transfers heat from a system fluid to awater supply.

In some embodiments, the tubing is connected to a space heating system.The tubing may be connected to a thermal radiator. Alternatively, thetubing may be connected to a radiant floor.

The sunshade structure detailed below is operable in a wide climaterange, and over a broad geographic area. The sunshade structure detailedbelow may qualify for government or utility-sponsored renewable energyincentives, and, dependent on its location, may provide energy costsavings that may equal or exceed the cost of the shade within as soon as4-5 years. Thus, sunshade structures with integrated solar thermalcollectors and solar thermal collector systems using such structures, asdescribed herein, are desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings forillustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limitingthe scope of the inventions. In addition, various features of differentdisclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments,which are part of this disclosure. Throughout the drawings, referencenumbers may be reused to indicate correspondence between referenceelements.

FIG. 1 is a depiction of an illustrative solar collector panel holdingtwo clear faces.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of an illustrative solar collector panelcontaining one run of tubing.

FIG. 3 is a depiction of an illustrative solar collector panelcontaining two runs of tubing.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of an illustrative sunshade in a partiallyexploded view.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of members used to connect solar collector panelsto an outrigger beam.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for an illustrative one-pass sunshade.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for an illustrative two-pass sunshade.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for an alternative two-pass sunshade.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the fluid flow circuit in the heatexchanger embodiment.

FIG. 10 a is a depiction of an illustrative sunshade attached to abuilding and extending over a window.

FIG. 10 b is a depiction of an alternative sunshade attached to abuilding and extending over a window.

The various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn toscale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may bearbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of thedrawings may not depict all of the components of a given device.

DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the disclosure and the various features and detailsthereof are explained more fully with the reference to the non-limitingembodiments and examples that are described herein and/or illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the features of oneembodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisanwould recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions ofwell-known construction techniques may be omitted so as to notunnecessarily obscure the teaching principals of the disclosedembodiments. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitatean understanding of ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and tofurther enable those skilled in the art to practice disclosedembodiments. The examples and embodiments herein should not be construedas limiting.

Referring now to the drawings, in some embodiments as depicted by FIG.1, the panel 10 is rectangular in shape when viewed from the top. Thepanel 10 may also be square, circular, oval, zigzag, arched, or anyother shape needed to achieve a desired appearance of the sunshade.

A panel 10 may have a length of about 3 ft. to about 7 ft. Further, apanel 10 may have a length of about 1 ft. to about 3 ft. Further, apanel 10 may have a length of about 7 ft. to about 12 ft. Heatingcapacity improves with panels of greater length because a longer stretchof tube 11 is heated. However, the length of a panel 10 is limited byincreasing fragility of longer clear faces 13 that form the top face ofthe panel 10. Longer clear faces are also disadvantageous because theyare more expensive. To address this problem, where longer panels arenecessary to accommodate a design need, the long panel may be comprisedof segments of shorter panels, as depicted in FIG. 1. The shorter panelsmay be connected by a sleeve that fits around and is affixed to the endsof the two panels to be connected. Alternatively, where longer panelsare necessary to accommodate a design need, a single longer elongatedU-shaped beam 16 may hold more than one clear face. In theseembodiments, the longer elongated U-shaped beam 16 may need to bethicker to provide more structural strength. Additionally, sleeves 40may be necessary where the clear faces meet, to provide a more aestheticshade, and/or to keep the clear faces separated to prevent breakage.

A panel 10 may have a width of about 3″ to about 4″. Further, a panel 10may have a width of about 1″ to about 3″. Further, a panel 10 may have awidth of about 4″ to about 8″. Further, a panel 10 may have a width ofabout 8″ to about 1 ft. Further, a panel 10 may have a width of about 1ft. to about 3 ft. Further, a panel 10 may have a width of about 1.5 ft.to about 3 ft. A greater width increases the amount of solar energycapture; however, greater widths are often less desirable from anarchitectural appearance and functional standpoint because greaterwidths result in fewer panels 10 comprising the overall sunshadestructure 20, as depicted in FIG. 4, and fewer panels 10 lead to asingle larger panel (which may require a revised structural design tosupport the larger expected weight per panel, for example, by attachingU-shaped beams side-by-side) and a less attractive overall sunshadestructure 20.

A panel 10 may have a depth of about 1.5″ to about 2″. Further, a panel10 may have a depth of about 1″ to about 1.5″, Further, a panel 10 mayhave a depth of about 2″ to about 3″. Further, a panel 10 may have adepth of about 3″ to about 5″ Further, a panel 10 may have a depth ofabout 5″ to about 1 ft. Generally, shallower panels are more beneficialbecause of their lower weight which requires less structural support.The versatility of the design is important in order to accommodate andpermit the creation of different desired architectural aestheticimpressions.

A panel 10 may be comprised of an elongated U-shaped beam 16, as shownin FIG. 2. The elongated U-shaped beam 16 may be formed of extrudedaluminum. Alternatively, the elongated U-shaped beam 16 may be comprisedof other materials, such as steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel,plastic, Trex decking material, or any other hard, and weatherproof orweather resistant material.

The elongated U-shaped beam 16 includes a bottom panel 21, side panels22, and support lips 25, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Each of side panels22 has a support lip 25 extending parallel to the bottom panel 21 andinwardly towards another support lip 25 on the opposing side panel. Thesupport lip 25 extends about ⅜″ from the interior side of the sidepanels 22. Alternatively, the support lip 25 may extend from theinterior side of the side panels 22 a length of about 2% to about 5% ofthe total width of the elongated U-shaped beam 16. Alternatively, thesupport lip 25 may extend from the interior side of the side panels 22 alength of about 5% to about 10% of the total width of the elongatedU-shaped beam 16. Alternatively, the support lip 25 may extend from theinterior side of the side panels 22 a length of about 10% to about 20%of the total width of the elongated U-shaped beam 16.

The top of the support lip 25 may be located about 3/16″ from the topedge of the side panel 22. Alternatively, the top of the support lip 25may be located about 5/16″ from the top edge of the side panel 22.Alternatively, the top of the support lip 25 may be located about 9/16″from the top edge of the side panel 22. Alternatively, the top of thesupport lip 25 may be located about 13/16″ from the top edge of the sidepanel 22. Generally, the position of the support lip 25 is determined bythe thickness of the clear face 13, and is such that top of the clearface is either flush with or not more than ½″ lower that the top of sidepanels 22.

A clear face 13 is secured to rest inside the U-shaped beam 16 and ontop of the support lips 25, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The clear face 13may have a length substantially equivalent to the length of theelongated U-shaped beam 16, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the clearface 13 may have a length extending between about 90% and about 95% ofthe length of the elongated U-shaped beam 16. Alternatively, the clearface 13 may have a length extending between about 85% and about 90% ofthe length of the elongated U-shaped beam 16. Alternatively, the clearface 13 may have a length extending between about 80% and about 85% ofthe length of the elongated U-shaped beam 16. Alternatively, the clearface 13 may have a length extending between about 75% and about 85% ofthe length of the elongated U-shaped beam 16. Alternatively, the clearface 13 may have a length extending between about 65% and about 75% ofthe length of the elongated U-shaped beam 16.

The clear face 13 may be secured to the support lips 25 withdouble-sided tape. Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be secured tothe support lips 25 with glue or adhesive. Alternatively, the clear face13 may be secured to the support lips 25 by tabs extending from theelongated U-shaped beam 16 to extend over the clear face. Alternatively,the clear face 13 may be situated on the support lips 25 withoutsecuring it in any fashion. Preferably, there is some form of cushioningbetween the clear face 13 and the support lips 25. Double-sided tape canprovide adequate cushioning. Persons having skill in the art know ofcommon means for providing an adequate cushion between the clear face 13and the support lips 25. The interface of the clear face 13 and theelongated U-shaped beam 16 may be sealed with sealants commonly known inthe art.

The clear face 13 may be about 0.125″ thick. Alternatively, the clearface 13 may be about 0.1″ thick to about 0.2″ thick. Alternatively, theclear face 13 may be about 0.2″ thick to about 0.4″ thick.Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be about 0.4″ thick to about 0.6″thick. The clear face 13 may be comprised of one or more glass panels.Alternatively, the clear face 13 may be comprised of one or more plasticpanels. Acceptable plastic, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, andvinyl, is commonly available and known to persons having skill in theart.

In some embodiments, the panel 10 could have two clear faces 13 (forexample, one of the side panels 22 could also be a clear face), anarrangement which lets in more sunlight. In other embodiments, the panel10 has three clear faces 13. In other embodiments, the panel 10 isformed entirely of clear faces 13. In embodiments with more than oneclear face 13, the clear faces may be formed of an extruded plastic.

In some embodiments, at least one clear face 13 of the panel 10 istempered glass. Tempered glass, which is processed by controlled thermalor chemical treatments to increase its strength, is beneficial becauseits durability leads to a lower likelihood that the clear face willbreak during transport and installation or when exposed to outdoorelements including, for example, rain, hail, birds, squirrels, andflying debris. The tempered glass may include a thin plastic film insideforming a sandwich structure to prevent the glass from shattering andbreaking into sharp separated pieces. There are many types of “safety”glass and many ways to accomplish this safety result that are well knownin the art. It is understood that the material selected for the clearface may include any of these well-known glass types and others that maybecome known in the future. The tempered glass face 13 may be about0.125″ thick. Alternatively, the tempered glass face 13 may be about0.1″ thick to about 0.2″ thick. Alternatively, the tempered glass face13 may be about 0.2″ thick to about 0.4″ thick. Alternatively, thetempered glass face 13 may be about 0.4″ to about 0.6″ thick. Temperedglass is widely available and appropriate varieties of tempered glassare well known to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, at least one face of the panel 10 is low-irontempered glass. Low-iron tempered glass is preferable because of itswidespread availability, its durability, and its ability to transmit ahigh percentage of solar radiation. A standard sheet of 0.1″ thick to0.2″ thick low-iron tempered glass typically has a transmittance ofgreater than about 90% of total solar radiation. The low-iron temperedglass face 13 may be about 0.125″ thick. Alternatively, the low-irontempered glass face 13 may be about 0.1″ thick to about 0.2″ thick.Alternatively, the low-iron tempered glass face 13 may be about 0.2″thick to about 0.4″ thick. Alternatively, the tempered glass face 13 maybe about 0.2″ to about 0.4″ thick. Alternatively, the low-iron temperedglass face 13 may be about 0.4″ to about 0.6″ thick.

In some embodiments, at least one face of the panel 10 is glass orplastic with an anti-reflective coating. Anti-reflective coating ispreferable because less light is lost to reflection, thereby increasingthe heat transfer efficiency. Those skilled in the art know ofappropriate anti-reflective coatings. In some embodiments, at least oneface of the panel 10 is glass or plastic with a self-cleaning coating.Self-cleaning coating is preferable because less dirt and dustaccumulates, allowing more light to pass through, thereby increasing theheat transfer efficiency. Those skilled in the art know of appropriateself-cleaning coatings. In some embodiments, at least one face of thepanel 10 is glass or plastic with a coating or glazing thatadvantageously allows the passage of infrared light but reflects all orpart of the visible light. In other embodiments, at least one face ofthe panel 10 is glass or plastic with a coating that affects the colorof the glass or plastic. Such coatings are widely available and commonlyknown.

Sleeves 40 may be fitted around the ends of the elongated U-shaped beam16, as shown in FIG. 4. Alternatively, a U-shaped support bracket 47, asshown in FIG. 5 a, may secure only the bottom two corners of theelongated U-shaped beam 16, leaving the top half of the elongatedU-shaped beam ends uncovered by the U-shaped support bracket.Alternatively, a support bracket 48, as shown in FIG. 5 b, providingsupport to only the bottom two corners of the elongated U-shaped beam16, leaving an open space between the two corners, may be used.Alternatively, a support bracket 49, as shown in FIG. 5 c, providingsupport to only the four corners of the elongated U-shaped beam 16,leaving open spaces between the four corners, may be used. The sleeves40 or brackets may be spot welded to the outside or inside of theelongated U-shaped beam 16. Alternatively, the sleeves 40 or bracketsmay be seam welded to the outside of the elongated U-shaped beam 16.Other welding processes may also be used. Alternatively, sleeves 40 orbrackets may be affixed to the ends of the elongated U-shaped beam 16 byother means such as glue, crimping, or friction fit, which are commonlyknown to those skilled in the art.

Sleeves 40 may entirely surround the elongated U-shaped beams 16 to capoff their ends. Sleeves 40 may be made substantially of aluminum, or anyother appropriate metal or alloy, Trex decking or building material, orany other appropriately hard, weatherproof or weather resistantmaterial. The sleeves 40 or the brackets may be welded or otherwiseattached to an outrigger 42 on the outward-facing side of the outrigger.Alternatively, the elongated U-shaped beams 16 may be affixed directlyto the outrigger 42 without the use of sleeves or brackets. Theoutrigger 42 has openings to accommodate for a plurality of panels 10 tobe situated in a common orientation to form a sunshade 20. An outriggercover 45 may be secured to the outrigger 42 to hide the tubing 11 andthe welded connection between the outrigger 42 and the sleeves 40 orbrackets. An fascia panel 43 may be secured to an either end of theoutriggers 42.

In some embodiments, the elongated U-shaped beam 16 is formed with thetop portions at the ends of the beam being enclosed (for example, thetop portions of the beam may be part of the extruded metal structure).This eliminates the need for sleeves 40, where the beam can be directlyaffixed to the outriggers 42.

A layer of insulation 18 may be mounted inside the elongated U-shapedbeam behind the clear face 13, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The insulationlayer improves efficiency by helping to trap heat inside the panel 10and by preventing external elements such as wind and cold air fromcooling the panel 10. The insulation layer 18 is advantageouslynon-reflective, thereby allowing more energy to be absorbed inside thepanel 10. The insulation layer 18 may be positioned to be flush with thebottom panel 21. The insulation layer 18 may extend to cover asubstantial portion or the entire bottom panel. The insulation layer 18may be about ½″ thick, and therefore may extend upward to be flush withbottom ½″ of the side panels 22. The insulation layer 18 may becomprised of foam. Alternatively, the insulation layer 18 may becomprised of a polystyrene foam block material, for example or afiberglass matting-type insulation material of the type often used inattics. Other embodiments may include insulation layers 18 comprised ofany other appropriate insulation product, known by those skilled in theart.

Other embodiments may not include an insulation layer, as shown in FIG.3. The inside of the elongated U-shaped beam 16 may be painted a darkcolor to enhance its absorbing capability.

Tubing 11 is disposed in the panel 10 behind the clear face 13. At leastone tube 11 extends the length of the panel 10. In some embodiments, asdepicted in FIG. 6, the tube 12 a enters a first panel 10, passesthrough the panel 10, exits the panel 10, then is provided with a U-turnby bending or fittings so that it extends through the adjacent panel inthe opposite direction of the flow passing through the first panel. Thetube weaves through all panels 10 that comprise a sunshade 20 in thisfashion. Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 7, the tube 11 can passthrough the panels twice, as shown in FIG. 3. The tube 11 would firstweave though all panels, and after passing through the final panel,would reenter the next-to-last panel, flowing in the opposite directionas the first tube disposed in that panel. Tubing 12 a and 12 b outsidethe panel 10 carries cool fluid into the sunshade 20, and also carriesheated fluid out of the sunshade 20. An alternative two-pass tubingarrangement is depicted in FIG. 8. In other embodiments, such as thosewith a single panel 10, the tubing 11 may weave to pass through thesingle panel several times to allow for optimal heat collection.

Preferably, the tube 11 weaving through the panels 10 is comprisedsubstantially or entirely of copper and is spaced from the walls of theU-shaped beam. Copper is a good conductor and thus allows for fasterheat absorption in the tubing 11. In other embodiments, the tube 11 maybe made from other conductive materials well known in the art such as,for example, aluminum and even glass where the glass is coated such thatit absorbs heat. In other embodiments, the tube may be comprised of aglass outer tube and a concentric inner tube wherein the cylindricalspace between the inner and outer tube acts as an insulator so that theheat does not escape. This space can be a vacuum or air or another gas.The appropriate coatings to be used are well known to one of ordinaryskill in the art. The tubing 11 may be about ½″ in diameter.Alternatively, the tubing 11 may be about ¼″ in diameter. Alternatively,the tubing 11 may be about ⅜″ in diameter. Alternatively, the tubing 11may be about ¾″ in diameter. Alternatively, the tubing 11 may be about1″ in diameter. Further it is contemplated that, in addition to roundtubes, the portions of the tubes 11 that are exposed to sunlight withinthe elongated U-shaped beam 16 may be shaped in cross-sectional shapesthat may be flatter in order to allow for easier heat collection. Thesecontemplated shapes may include oval or rectangular shapes with thewider portion of the tubing 11 facing the clear face 13. The tubing 11within the elongated U-shaped beam 16 may also be structured to spreadthe fluid out as fat and as thin as reasonably possible while it passesthrough the elongated U-shaped beam 16 and is exposed to sunlight so asto more quickly collect the available heat. This may advantageously beaccomplished by, for example, dividing the water flow into a series ofthin tubes laid flat across the width of the elongated U-shaped beam 16or by using a flat thin tube with baffles inside and extendingsubstantially across the width of to the beam to keep the water flowrelatively slower as it passes through the panel 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, a fin 14 may disposed behind the clear face 13 andon top of the tube 11, the fin 14 having a length substantially equal tothe length of the elongated U-shaped beam 16. The fin 14 isadvantageously comprised of copper. Alternatively, the fin may be madefrom any conductive material known by those having skill in the art.Preferably, the fin 14 is rectangular in shape and sized to cover theentire area that sunlight contacts when passing through the clear face13. The fin 14 may be arched, such that the area of the fin contactingthe tube 11 is maximized. As the system fluid passes through the tubing11, it absorbs heat and cools the tubing and the area of the fin that itin contact with the tubing. Thus, a thermal gradient forms across thefin, wherein the portions of the fin further from the tubing are hotter.The gradient creates a transfer of thermal energy to the tubing and tothe system fluid, thereby increasing heat transfer.

The side of the fin 14 facing the clear panel 13 may be colored toaffect the outward appearance of the panel 10. For example, the fin 14may be painted red which gives the top of the sunshade 20 a reddishappearance. As another example, the fin 14 may be painted green whichgives the top of the sunshade 20 a greenish appearance.

In some embodiments, the tubing 12 a and 12 b located outside thesunshade 20 is PEX tubing. PEX tubing is manufactured from cross-linkedpolyethylene. PEX tubing is a flexible tube commonly used in heatingsystems. PEX tubing is preferable because it is widely available andbecause it meets all major plumbing/heating codes and bends easily,making it more versatile than copper tubing. Manufacturers of PEXgenerally provide a 20-25 year warranty, but PEX is known to have a muchlonger lifespan. PEX comes in ⅜″, ½″ ⅝″, and ¾″ are also available.

The tubing 12 a and 12 b located outside the sunshade 20 may be made ofother materials known to persons of ordinary skill in the art to beappropriate for this application given the relatively high expectedtemperature levels.

The system may be designed to use water in the tubing 11, 12. When thesystem is a closed circuit system as shown in FIG. 9, where a systemfluid is needed, water is preferable because it is inexpensive andnon-toxic. Drawbacks of water include its high freezing point, its lowboiling point, and its acidity which can cause corrosion. Also, overtime minerals in the water can deposit inside the system creatingblockages. Alternatively, non-toxic types of antifreeze may be used. Forexample, polypropylene glycol, usually mixed with purified or distilledwater at a ratio no greater than 1:1, is a beneficial system fluidbecause it has a low freezing point and inhibits corrosion.

Some embodiments include a plurality of panels 10 arranged in the sameorientation to form an attractive sunshade 20, as shown in FIGS. 10 aand 10 b, suitable for providing shade. The shade may extend over thewindow of a building. Alternatively, the shade may be free standing andextend over a patio. The panels may be fixed in place. Fixed panels areadvantageous because rotatable panels can lead to mechanical issues,becoming stuck in position. The panels may be designed in advance to betilted in order to maximize sun exposure on the top face of the panelsgiven the expected location where the shade will be placed. The optimaltilt of the panels is determined by the location's latitude, theorientation of the shade with respect to the expected path of the Sunacross the sky, and by the location of the shade relative to surroundingstructures that determine the sun exposure on the shade throughout theday. Alternatively, the panels may be rotatable. Rotatable panels areadvantageous because they can be adjusted to capture more sun throughoutthe day.

FIG. 9 depicts a solar thermal collector system that enables solarenergy absorbed by fluid in the solar thermal collector panels 10 to betransferred by a pump 52 to heat a household's or building's watersupply 53 by means of a heat exchanger 51. The tubing is closed circuitand contains a fluid (which may advantageously be the polypropyleneglycol and water mixture referred to above). The sunshade 20 isconnected to a heat exchanger 51 and a pump 52 with tubing. The heatexchanger transfers heat from a system fluid to a water supply.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,”“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or states are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed inany particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,”“having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in anopen-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features,acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in itsinclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, forexample, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some,or all of the elements in the list.

While the detailed description herein has shown, described, and pointedout novel features as applied to various embodiments, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform and details of the devices illustrated can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. As will be recognized,certain embodiments of the inventions described herein can be embodiedwithin a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits setforth herein, as some features can be used or practiced separately fromothers.

What is claimed is:
 1. An attractive sunshade, capable of collectingsolar energy and providing shade over a window, comprising: a panel, thepanel comprising: an elongated U-shaped beam; a clear face mounted onthe U-shaped beam to allow at least some sunlight to enter the spacecreated inside the beam; and tubing disposed in the U-shaped beam behindthe clear face.
 2. An attractive sunshade according to claim 1, whereinthe sunshade further comprises a plurality of panels situated in acommon orientation.
 3. An attractive sunshade according to claim 2,further comprising a fin that contacts the tubing for a substantiallength of the tubing disposed within the panel, wherein a side of thefin is colored to affect the outward appearance of the sunshade.
 4. Anattractive structure according to claim 1, wherein the clear face iscoated to affect the outward appearance of the shade structure.
 5. Anattractive sunshade according to claim 1, wherein the sunshade iscomprised of four panels.
 6. An attractive sunshade structurecomprising: a plurality of panels situated in a common orientation, eachpanel comprising: an elongated U-shaped beam; a clear face mounted onthe U-shaped beam; tubing disposed in the U-shaped beam behind the clearface; and a sleeve on each end of the panel.
 7. An attractive structureaccording to claim 6, further comprising a fin that contacts the tubingfor a substantial length of the tubing disposed within the panel,wherein a side of the fin is colored to affect the outward appearance ofthe sunshade.
 8. An attractive structure according to claim 6, whereinthe clear face is coated to affect the outward appearance of the shadestructure.
 9. An attractive sunshade according to claim 6, wherein thesunshade is comprised of at least four panels.
 10. An attractivesunshade according to claim 6, wherein the elongated U-shaped beam has alength of about 3 ft. to about 7 ft. and a depth of about 1½ in. toabout 2 in.
 11. A method of providing shade and collecting heat from thesun, comprising: providing a plurality of panels, each panel comprising:an elongated U-shaped beam; a clear face mounted on the U-shaped beam;and tubing disposed in the U-shaped beam behind the clear face; securingthe plurality of panels in a common orientation to form a shadestructure; attaching the shade structure to a building; and providing asystem fluid that passes through the tubing in the panels.
 12. A methodof providing shade and collecting heat from the sun according to claim11, further comprising insulation mounted in the U-shaped beam andbehind the clear face.
 13. A method of providing shade and collectingheat from the sun according to claim 11, wherein the angle at which thepanels are positioned is determined to optimize heat collection and isbased on the orientation and position of the shade structure.
 14. Amethod of providing shade and collecting heat from the sun according toclaim 11, wherein the sunshade structure is attached to a building toextend over a window.
 15. A method of providing shade and collectingheat from the sun according to claim 11, wherein the clear face iscoated to affect the outward appearance of the shade structure.
 16. Amethod of providing shade and collecting heat from the sun according toclaim 11, wherein the sunshade is comprised of four panels.
 17. A methodof providing shade and collecting heat from the sun according to claim11, wherein the elongated U-shaped beam has a length of about 3 ft. toabout 7 ft. and a depth of about 1½ in. to about 2 in.
 18. A method ofproviding shade and collecting heat from the sun according to claim 11,wherein the panels are adjustable to capture more sunlight throughoutthe day.